Brazilian Meat Loaf

I got this recipe from Alessandra Wortmann when she appeared on Good Things Utah. She also has a blog at http://howicook.com/. My changes were Lipton beefy onion soup, no ham, and red bell pepper. I think this can be layered in a meat loaf pan. I think it would be fun to try it with the makings of pizza inside or a hamburger foil dinner makings inside. It has very good flavor.

2 lbs ground beef

1 package Lipton onion soup mix

1 large carrot

2 boiled eggs

6-8 slices of ham

4 ounces shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

3-4 slices of bacon

Oil (just enough to spray on your hands)

Mix onion osup mix and ground beef together, set aside. Put a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and spray it with oil. Then pad the meat mixture open to about a 13x8 rectangle (just like you soul for thin hamburgers). You may need to spray your hands with a little oil to make it easier to spread the meat. You want a nice thin layer. Then top it with the ham slices, carrots, sliced eggs and cheese. Starting with the side closer to you, roll the meat. Use the plastic to help you form the loaf. Transfer it to a cookie sheet (lined with foil). Spread the mayonnaise on top. Add strips of bacon over the top, wrapping around the sides fo the loaf. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes.

OPTIONS: Filling ideas: Spinach and cream cheese; 3 cheeses; prosciutto, artichoke hearts and brie; vegetables (green peppers, red pepopers, carrots, spinach, olives); all meat (ham, pepperoni and sausage). Another Option is to use ground chicken, sausage or turkey instead of beef.